ACCRA, Ghana, March 19, 2016 (GNA) - Awulae Attibrukusu III, Vice President of National House of Chiefs has called on 'genuine businessmen to come and invest' in the Western region as the area abounds with many investment opportunities and potentials.

'Western Region is the home of Ghana's Oil industry and the chiefs and people are ready to welcome genuine businesses; we are ready to release our lands to genuine businesses to operate and provide jobs and training to our people, especially the youth', Awulae Attibrukusu, who is also the Omanhene of the Lower Axim Traditional Area, said.

Speaking at the launch of the Italian Business Association of Ghana (IBAG) in Accra, Awulae Attibrukusu said what the chiefs were interested in, was to partner with genuine people to develop the human resources by building the capacity of young men and women in the area to also work and earn a living to enable them become useful citizens.

The launch, which created a platform for cultural, economic and trading opportunities between Italy and Ghana, was attended by representatives of government agencies, diplomats and business associates.

It was also used to outdoor the Association's Constitution as well as its aims and objectives.

While cautioning 'fake businesses to stay off the Region', Awulae Attibrukusu explained that the Western Region was now more populated due to the oil production in the area and as such, there was the need to expand infrastructures like roads, health and educational facilities, saying that would need investors who are interested in a win-win situation to invest in the area.

He said there were also many tourism potentials with many old forts and castles that needed to be developed to boost tourism and income for the country.

He commended members of IBAG for taking the bold step to mobilize themselves to aid their business operations both in Ghana and in Italy.

Nii Amaa Ollennu, Vice President of IBAG, called on all who desire to invest, build and strengthen business relationships with Italian companies in Ghana and Italy to join the Association to help attain strong business connections.

He said the Association was opened to all companies and individuals from all nationalities who are interested to do businesses in the Ghanaian and Italian markets.

He said currently, there were over 118 Italian Companies registered in Ghana but the Association was yet to vet and know which ones are operational and what assistance could be given to dormant companies to stand on their feet.

Mr Ollenu said after the launch, members would immediately hold a first meeting to discuss the issue of land acquisition, which was a major factor in operation, to enable members to have knowledge about how to acquire land for business operation in Ghana and in Italy.

He said the Association further intends to organise focus interviews, events, workshops and seminars on specific sectors of the economy by bringing experts to the table, while facilitating business-oriented capacity building programmes for members to enable them advance in their various business endeavours.

'We are also focused on advisory services for Ghanaian companies with business interest in Italy as well as Italian companies that are planning to invest in Ghana by sharing local knowledge of the territory acquired over the years to help new investors understand the Ghanaian/Italian market.

'We hope to create cultural exchanges between Italy and Ghana; undertaking various projects and activities as part of IBAG's social responsibilities'.

IBAG was registered and incorporated in June 2015, and it is opened to all companies and individuals as a non-profit, non-political and non-religious association that supports free expression of views and opinions, collaborating with other associations and chambers of commerce to become the voice of the business community in dealing with government institutions and bodies as well as networking and lobbying.

Ms Laura Carpini, the Italian Ambassador, said most Italian businesses in Ghana were involved in various trading activities in the food industry, restaurants, ceramics, building and many more, and all were helping to develop the economy.

She said the creation of IBAG would give visibility to the operations of Italian businesses that would also help with the work of the Embassy in promoting the relationship between Ghana and Italy. (GNA)